"Part One of Ben Butler’s Six-Point Plan to Put Florida Families First: Affordability"
The first challenge we must address is the issue Floridians raise more than any other: affordability.
OKEECHOBEE, FL — Over the coming days, I will be releasing a series of six policy plans that reflect the priorities I’ve heard from families, farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and working Floridians across Florida’s Ninth Congressional District.
These plans aren’t written by Washington think tanks or political consultants. They’re rooted in the real-world experiences of the people who live, work, and raise their families here in Florida.
As a ninth-generation Floridian, dairy farmer, cattle rancher, small business owner, and member of the South Florida Water Management District, I’ve spent my life solving problems, balancing budgets, and making decisions that have real consequences.
That’s the perspective I’ll bring to Congress.
The first challenge we must address is the issue Floridians raise more than any other: affordability.
Families are working harder than ever, yet too many feel like they’re falling behind. The cost of housing, groceries, insurance, fuel, utilities, and everyday necessities continues to rise. Washington keeps spending money it doesn’t have while Florida families are forced to stretch every dollar further.
Florida should remain a place where working families can build a future, seniors can retire with dignity, and young people can afford to put down roots in the communities they call home.
That’s why I’m proud to release the first component of my six-point agenda: the Florida Affordability Plan.
Fight Inflation by Cutting Wasteful Federal Spending
• Oppose massive spending packages that fuel inflation.
• Support efforts to balance the federal budget.
• Eliminate duplicative federal programs and bureaucratic waste.
Lower Energy Costs
• Expand American energy production.
• Support permitting reform for energy infrastructure.
• Oppose regulations that increase electricity and fuel costs.
Increase Housing Supply
• Encourage local solutions that increase housing availability.
• Streamline unnecessary federal regulations that raise construction costs.
• Expand workforce housing opportunities for teachers, first responders, and working families.
Support Small Businesses
• Make the Trump tax cuts permanent.
• Reduce burdensome regulations on small businesses.
• Expand workforce development programs.
Protect Seniors
• Oppose cuts to Social Security benefits.
• Strengthen Medicare through fiscal responsibility and program integrity.
Affordability isn’t just an economic issue. It’s about preserving the Florida way of life and ensuring the next generation has the same opportunities that previous generations enjoyed.
This is the first of six plans I will be releasing as part of my campaign for Congress. Together, these proposals will focus on affordability, responsible growth, food security, water and infrastructure, government accountability, and ensuring rural Florida has a strong voice in Washington.
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Benjamin "Ben" Butler is a lifelong, ninth-generation Floridian, agricultural leader, businessman, and public servant rooted in the values of faith, hard work, stewardship, and service.
Raised in Central Florida, Ben helped build and operate Butler Oaks Farm, a multi-generational dairy and cattle operation. Through decades of hands-on experience, he managed employees, balanced budgets, navigated complex regulations, and made the real-world decisions necessary to keep a business running and families employed.
Governor DeSantis appointed Ben to the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board in 2019, 2021, and 2024, where he has helped oversee Everglades restoration, flood protection, water supply, and natural resource management across South Florida.
Ben has also served in leadership roles with the Florida Farm Bureau, Florida FFA Foundation, Southeast Milk Inc., and Newtrient. A former Florida FFA State President, Ben has long believed in investing in future generations and strengthening Florida's rural communities.
Ben earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in Animal Science from the University of Florida, with a focus on dairy management, agricultural economics, and natural resource management.
Ben is joined in his commitment to agriculture and youth development by his wife, April, a native Floridian, FSU graduate, and former law enforcement professional who volunteers with 4-H, FFA Alumni, and the South Florida Fair dairy shows. Their daughter Hannah raises registered dairy and beef heifers through FFA and 4-H, and is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Club America at her high school.
Together, the Butler family remains deeply rooted in Florida's Heartland, dedicated to preserving its agricultural heritage, supporting youth leadership, and serving their community.
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With the excitement of the campaign growing, Butler has picked up many endorsements, both federal and local, including:
Congressional:
Kat Cammack – Congresswoman, FL-03
Greg Steube – Congressman, FL-17
City of Okeechobee:
Dowling Watford, Jr. – Mayor
Monica Clark – Vice Mayor
Noel Chandler – Council Member
Bob Jarriel – Council Member
David McAuley – Council Member
Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners:
David Hazellief – Chair, Commissioner
Terry Burroughs – 1st Vice Chair, Commissioner
Bradley Goodbread – 2nd Vice Chair, Commissioner
Frank DeCarlo – Commissioner
Michael Sumner – Commissioner
Okeechobee County School Board:
Jill Holcomb – Board Chair, District 5
Christine Bishop – Vice Chair, District 1
Malissa Morgan – Board Member, District 2
Melisa Jahner – Board Member, District 3
Amanda Riedel – Board Member, District 4
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners:
Chris Campbell – Vice Chair, Commissioner
Arlene Tuck – Commissioner
Scott Kirouac – Commissioner
Kevin Roberts – Commissioner
Scott Kirouac - Commissioner
Sheriffs:
Sheriff Paul Blackman – Highlands County
Sheriff David Hardin – Glades County
Sheriff Noel Stephen – Okeechobee County
Sheriff Eric Flowers – Indian River County
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Release Date:
June 23, 2026
Press Contact:
Derek Dufresne
Derek@ascent-strategic.com
